Introduction

These products are not authorized for sale in Canada and have not been found in the Canadian marketplace, but it is possible they may have been brought into the country by travellers or purchased over the Internet.

Product description

These products are promoted for weight loss.

Hazard identified

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warned consumers not to use these products after they were found to contain undeclared phenolphthalein and diclofenac. The product, Night fat-burning slimming capsules, was also found to contain undeclared theophylline.

Phenolphthalein was previously used as a laxative but is no longer authorized for sale in Canada because it may cause cancer.

Diclofenac is a prescription drug in the family known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is used to treat pain, fever and inflammation. Oral diclofenac should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Theophylline is a prescription drug used to treat asthma and bronchitis. It should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

What you should do

Health Canada advises Canadians to contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675 if they find the products listed above in the Canadian marketplace.

Canadians who have these products are advised not to use them, and should consult with a healthcare professional if they have concerns about their health related to the use of these products.

Background

Drugs and natural health products that are authorized for sale in Canada will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) on the label. These numbers indicate that the products have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality.

As of May 15, 2014, no adverse reactions suspected to be associated with the use of these products have been reported to Health Canada.